Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: SALMETEROL - INHALATION (sal-MET-er-all)
BRAND NAME(S): Serevent
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
WARNING: Rare (sometimes fatal) asthma-related problems have occurred with the use of products containing salmeterol. While this problem is rare, when it does occur it has affected black people more than other races. Do not stop using your medications for asthma or other breathing problems (emphysema or bronchitis) without doctor approval, since your condition will worsen if you suddenly stop your treatment. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
USES: Salmeterol opens air passages in the lungs to improve breathing. It is used to prevent/minimize problems in persons with breathing difficulties (e.g., asthma and chronic obstructive disorders of the lungs such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema). This medication is not for use in an acute asthma attack. Salmeterol is generally combined with another effective controller-type asthma medicine (such as an inhaled corticosteroid).
HOW TO USE: Make sure you understand how to use the inhaler properly. Shake the canister well before using. Place the canister near your mouth and exhale. Depress the spray as you inhale deeply. Hold your breath for a few seconds to allow the drug to be absorbed. If more than one inhalation is prescribed, wait at least one full minute between inhalations. Rinse your mouth after using to help prevent dryness and relieve throat irritation. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not use it more frequently without your doctor's approval. This medication should not be used more frequently than every 12 hours. Excessive use may result in a decrease in drug's effectiveness and an increase in its side effects. You should use this medication 30 to 60 minutes before exercise when using it to prevent exercise-induced asthma. If you find that your fast-acting inhaler is not working as well or if you need to use it more often than usual (i.e., using 4 or more puffs daily, or using more than 1 inhaler every 8 weeks), tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. This may be a sign of worsening asthma which is a serious condition. If symptoms do not improve or if they worsen after using this medication, call your doctor immediately.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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